India, Sept. 22 -- Mirabai Chanu's 12-year quest for an elusive Asian Games medal may finally come to an end at the weightlifting hall in Nagoya City Trade and Industry Centre on Wednesday, thanks in no small part to China's absence in the 49kg division.

A powerhouse in global weightlifting, China has entered in all other women's weight classes barring the lightest division.

That leaves two-time defending champion from North Korea, Ri Song Gum, as a clear favourite to complete a golden hat-trick at Asiad and also Chanu's primary rival. The Indian has entered an entry weight of 200kg while the North Korean will enter the competition with a 210kg opening aggregate, national coach Vijay Sharma said.

"It's surprising that China hasn't sent...